When we look at the society, children are the ones who are more likely to being manipulated by elements such as media. In the age of 5 to 6 children learn the sense of fear, danger and social norms from tales. Disney has one of the most significant film industry all around the world. I would like to clarify the most common delusion about Disney. They make movies both
The Disney princess movies had a great deal of influence on many young girls watching princesses represent what royalty looked like. The princesses are always beautiful, polite and seeking the love of their Prince Charming. This plays a strong role in perpetuating the idea that being a princess means seeking only love from a man, and a man who contains all the stereotypical masculine qualities; handsome, powerful and rich. For example, in The Little Mermaid, Ariel had to give up who she was in order to win over the affection of her prince charming. She traded in her voice in order to have real legs and near Prince Eric.
As you read, reflect upon the way fairy tales made you feel and act as a child. Fairy tales, in reality, implant unrealistic expectations and stereotypes into children’s minds. Let’s first take a look at the general Disney fairy tale movie storyline. In almost every movie, the men have full control over the women’s lives, resulting in the objectification of female characters. For example, Prince Charming is the one to “help” Cinderella get everything she ever wanted.
How many of you watched at least 2 disney movies in your life? Definetely all of you. Disney movies are very popular worldwide and we all have sung along to our favorite songs, and they taught us how important family is and what true love is. However, these movies have been negatively influencing young innocent minds. Think about the movie “Tangled” which presents a Princess Rapunzel, who doesn 't dare leave her tower until a handsome man arrives to protect her and guide her to the lights she has been always dreaming about.
Disney tells stories about pretty girls and princes who meet each other once and fall in love. This indirectly implants in children’s mind that appearance and materialism does matter, which might lead to vanity. For instance, the Hunchback of Notre Dame shows us that no matter how caring and kind Quasimodo is, Esmeralda and Phoebus are one couple because they are adequately good-looking. Another research has shown that in Disney classic movies, female characters are praised for their appearances (55%) and only 11% are for their abilities; however, Disney has changed their practice as in the millennial Disney movies, women are commented on their skills and abilities more (40%). (Guo 2016) In my opinion, despite the changes, children could barely realise as my niece still wants to be Elsa or Rapunzel because they are pretty.
From the bright colorful outfits to the amazing characters, it’s no surprise that western culture loves Disney movies. Children adore them, and parents love it because of the “innocence” of what these movies hold. However, behind the ruffled dresses and the songs that have become iconic in today’s day and age, lies a darker secret. The movies that Disney has produced, were once stories that originated from around the world, some countries include, France, Denmark, Italy, and some parts of Asia. These stories can be far from the innocent cartoon versions that audiences are used to, most stories have sinister origins, being based on legends and historical events that are, to gruesome and go into detail about unforgivable acts.
At some point in life, being a Disney princess was every females’ dream. Their kindness, courage, and beauty is thought to provide a safe culture for children (Mcbride, 2016) Not to mention, their flawless appearance and their happily ever after makes the princess culture. For these reasons, parents perceive the Disney as quality family entertainment (Buckingham, 1997). But in actuality, princesses may not be the most positive role models for young viewers. The issue associated with Disney Princesses movies is that their usual gender stereotyped as the submissive female who falls in love with a man to live happily ever after.
She argues, “The female ideal is a rich white girl who lives in a big house with servants who do the work” (Olfman). Cinderella and Snow White both attain a wealthy lifestyle through marriage, after being saved by a prince. In the article, “Gender Roles in Disney Movies” Victoria states that “each of the Disney princesses emphasize the importance of marriage and a domesticated lifestyle. By watching each of these movies you rarely see the female roles deciding to break off and start a career or follow an independent lifestyle that doesn’t involve a man” (Victoria). Olfman goes on to say that young girls are taught to seek a life path that does not require great effort and consists of gaining a man’s affection through beauty and feminine
Gender roles have been noticeable in Disney films especially the Disney Princess series. Women are typically portrayed as a princess, homemaker, or queen while men are portrayed as strong, dominant and authority characters. The portrayal of the prince or knights in the movies usually highlighted with the strong and powerful characteristic, whereas the Disney princesses are weak, vulnerable and being protected. According to Tiffany, gender stereotypes and behaviours illustrations are very common in Disney culture and their depictions have become sophisticated over the years especially those of female characters. In the early 20th century American style, the princess was shown through a traditional fairy tale and they needs rescuing by the nearby prince.
For example, the princesses Snow White, Aurora, and the most commonly known, Bell and Cinderella depict how the “normal” princess should look like and behave. This increases the stereotype of women needing to marry and live “happily ever after” with their prince charming. Princess Merida of DunBroch is daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor from the Scottish Kingdom in the movie Brave from Disney. Since a child, Queen Elinor schooled Merida on princess duties so in the future, she can get married and become ruler of her kingdom. As an old tradition, the princess should marry one of the lord’s sons to maintain the harmony between the people in the kingdom.